(CNN) - Voters in ten states will cast ballots on Tuesday, when the most delegates thus far in the campaign cycle are up for grabs. Republican presidential candidates former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas are battling for 419 total delegates in Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia.

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama held a press conference at the White House where he unveiled a plan to aid those hit by the housing crisis, discussed ongoing discussions with Israel and the situations in Iran and Afghanistan.

Check back here through the night for the latest reporting from our producers and correspondents. Tune in to the CNN Election Center Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET for live coverage of Super Tuesday and follow real time results at CNNPolitics.com. Read more here.

12:46 a.m. ET - @YellinCNN reported Obama received more votes in Ohio than Romney and Santorum, according to the Secretary of State's office. The Obama campaign said they held more than 50 events across Ohio, including phone banks, watch parties and neighborhood meetings.

“The muddled mess that is the Republican presidential nominating contest continued tonight as Republican voters who are unenthusiastic and unmotivated, failed to consolidate around a single candidate," she said in a statement. "It was a particularly bad night for Mitt Romney who once again failed to close the deal with Republican Primary voters despite the millions he's spent and the more than half a decade he's been trying."

12:06 a.m. ET - @ShanTravisCNN reported @MittRomney won in Idaho's largest caucus site. In Ada County, Romney received 51.79% support with 4,223 votes. Santorum received 22.83% support with 1,866 votes. Paul received 21.61% support with 1,766 votes and Gingrich received 3.75% support with 307 votes.

12:03 a.m. ET - @donnabrazile: Mr. Romney has spent almost as much as the other 3 combined. It’s a good thing that he doesn’t have to match their vote totals combined.

12:01 a.m. ET - @crowleyCNN: Mitt still up in Ohio. Votes for Mitt, I mean. I believe actual candidate is asleep in Mass. As we all should b,but are not.

12:00 a.m. ET - @crowleyCNN: Sarah Palin voted for Newt. We can start telling you how the rest of Alaska voted in about 2 minutes.

11:56 p.m. ET - CNN Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger reported: Rick Santorum’s campaign is planning on buying about a million dollars of ads in Kansas, Alabama and Mississippi, according to a Santorum campaign source.

11:09 p.m. ET - @PeterHambyCNN: all week in Ohio, Romney people whispered "it's gonna be tight, but we think we'll pull it out." looks like that may come true.

11:06 p.m. ET - With 86% of the vote reporting in Ohio, Romney received 37% support with 386,570 votes. Santorum received 37% support with 385,145 votes. Gingrich received 15% support and Paul came in with 9%.

11:04 p.m. ET - @BenLaBolt: @BarackObama currently on track to get more votes than any GOP candidate in OH tonight.

10:56 p.m. ET - @AriFleischer: After 21 states, Paul will have 0 wins. (he could win AK though). I know he leads a cause, but as a cand he should drop out
10:47 p.m. ET - @deirdrewalshcnn: Just in Updated #s in Hamilton county oh Romney 38116 (48.98) Santorum 22785 (29.28)

10:46 p.m. ET - @mattyhoyeCNN reported Santorum adviser John Brabender told reporters the campaign proved Tuesday that "Rick Santorum can win in the West and can win in the South. He is the only candidate who can beat Mitt Romney. There is no doubt in our minds."

"We're not gonna call on anyone to drop out but ... We are calling on conservatives and tea party supporters to rally," Barbender said.

10:44 p.m. ET - With 84% of the vote reporting in Ohio, Santorum led with 37% and 358,742 votes, followed by Romney at 37% with 356,172 votes, Gingrich with 15% and Paul with 9%.

9:55 p.m. ET - "Eight percent unemployment is not the best America can do, it's just the best this president can do," Romney told the crowd. "Our campaign is on the move and real change is finally on the way."

9:32 p.m. ET - @jimacostacnn: As Santorum goes after Romney on individual mandate, crowd yells "shame."
9:31 p.m. ET - Santorum said he is the only candidate who can effectively go up against Obama in the general election because "I've never been for an individual mandate at a state or federal level."

He criticized Romney for passing the health care law in Massachusetts and advocating for the plan as a solution on the national level.

"We need a person running against President Obama who's right on the issues and truthful with the American people," Santorum said.

8:22 p.m. ET - Asked if she would consider running for president in 2016, Palin said she "would seriously consider anything I can do to help our country."

"Anything in this life is possible," the former 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate said.

8:20 p.m. ET - Appearing on CNN after voting at a caucus site in Wasilla, Alaska, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said she hopes the Republican race continues with more debates but she would not say for whom she voted.

8:19 p.m. ET - @David_Gergen: Trucks carrying ballots in Hamilton County, Ohio? To be counted how? Could be a long nite. #CNNElections

7:43 p.m. ET - @jimacostacnn: Santorum's 93 year old mom is in the house.
7:42 p.m. ET - @jimacostacnn: Crowd files in at Santorum HQ instagr.am/p/H2fZwBguae/
7:41 p.m. ET - @RonPaul spoke at a caucus site in Fargo, North Dakota. The last sites will close at 10 p.m. ET in the state.
7:36 p.m. ET - Romney won the Vermont primary, CNN projected based on exit polling and early returns.

7:31 p.m. ET - Forty percent of Ohio voters supported Romney, followed by 36% for Santorum, 12% for Gingrich and 11% for Paul, according to CNN exit polling.

7:26 p.m. ET - According to Ohio exit polling, 32% of voters said Santorum best understands America's problems, followed by Romney with 23%, Paul with 19% and Gingrich with 18%. Forty-three percent of voters said defeating Obama in the fall is the most important candidate quality.

6:22 p.m. ET - @RonPaul, talking to @JohnKingCNN said he expects to do well in Alaska, Idaho and North Dakota on Tuesday. Even if Romney wins five or six states Tuesday, Paul said "he would still have a long way to go."

"Nobody is going to clinch the election today," Paul said. "Sorting all this delegate delegate selection process I think we have a little bit of time left before you declare anybody a winner."

6:20 p.m. ET - Among Georgia voters, 53% said Romney was not conservative enough, 30% said he was "about right" and 11% said he was too conservative, according to CNN exit polling.

Among Tennessee voters, 48% said he was too conservative, 38% said he was "about right" and 8% said he was too conservative, according to CNN exit polling.

6:15 p.m. ET - @PeterHambyCNN: buzz in Nashville: could be a late night – good turnout in Romney-friendly territory

6:11 p.m. ET - @donnabrazile: Both Santorum & Gingrich failed to qualify for the ballot in Virginia. Guys, there’s a term for people who don’t qualify—“unqualified.”

6:07 p.m. ET - @donnabrazile: Some people expect a major winnowing out tonight. I disagree. This is a war of attrition. No one will come close to 1144 tonight. Agree?
6:06 p.m. ET - @PaulBegala: @JohnKingCNN reports from the magic wall: Romney & Santorum tied among "very conservative" OH voters. Good sign for Mitt. #CNNelections

6:05 p.m. ET - Sixty-two percent of Ohio voters said they will "definitely" vote for the Republican nominee, whoever it is, while 23% said they probably would and 10% said only if their candidate of choice captures the nomination, according to CNN exit polling.

6:02 p.m. ET - When asked about their expectations for Tuesday, Team Romney told @crowleyCNN "We just want to get more votes than the other guys."

"State wins get the headlines, delegates win the nomination ... at the particular level we count the later," Romney sources told CNN. "In the end, we want both and think we'll do well."

Going forward they said the campaign will focus on Missouri and Illinois but there will be "no change in strategy or message."

Are they worried about independents deserting the Republican Party because of the nasty race?

"As far as the primary, the long calendar is just part of the process. We are only campaign that can withstand the drawn out primary schecule. Bruises may take time to heal, but they will."

"He’s got to get to 1144 too. It’s not compelling," Gidley told reporters in Stubenville, Ohio. "He wants us out because he can’t get there. And if we all go to the convention with a certain amount of delegates and we have to figure something out at the convention so be it but that’s democracy and that’s how the party structure is set up. And we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it."

When told that was the argument then-Sen. Barack Obama made about then-Sen. Hillary Clinton during the Democratic primary contest in 2008, Gidley said: "It’s another issue where Mitt Romney lines up perfectly with President Obama. First it was the issues. Now it’s campaign strategy. You gotta love it."

5:32 p.m. ET - Forty-seven percent of Ohio voters said Romney's positions on the issues were "right," 37% said they were not conservative enough and 7% said they were too conservative.

5:30 p.m. ET - Forty-six percent of Ohio voters said Santorum's positions on the issues were "right," 24% said they were too conservative and 17% said they were not conservative enough.

5:24 p.m. ET - Romney, appearing at a press conference after casting his vote in Massachusetts, said he's "hoping for a win in Massachusetts" and that his campaign is on the track to having enough delegates.

5:21 p.m. ET - According to CNN exit polling in Ohio, 64% of voters identified themselves as conservative and 36% considered themselves moderate or liberal.

4:08 p.m. ET - @streitfeldcnn reported Mitt and Ann Romney talked to the press on the campaign plane and described their Tuesday night plans. They will stop home for dinner, prepared by their son Tagg. On the menu: Chicken Marsala, asparagus and mashed potatoes.

Although Romney said he doesn't have any Election Day rituals, he is looking forward to sleeping in his own bed, something he said he hasn't done since January 6.

3:45 p.m. ET - Looking ahead ... Santorum released his schedule for Wednesday and Thursday. He'll visit Kansas, which holds caucuses on March 10 and Mississippi, which hosts a primary on March 13. He's then off to Alabama, where voters cast ballots on March 13, on Thursday.

1:49 p.m. ET - @LisaDCNN: OBAMA – immigration reform: I said I would push to get that done and we didn't get that done. Hope Latino vote will help push it this elex.

1:48 p.m. ET - Obama said he hopes bipartisan immigration reform will come "after this election." He said he will put forward legislation to "actually get this thing done" but that ultimately he cannot cast votes for Republicans.
1:47 p.m. ET - Q: Latino vote and immigration reform.

1:47 p.m. ET - @donnabrazile: POTUS should say he's the son of a single Mom. It's not just a war, but an assault on women's access to health care. #potuspresser

1:46 p.m. ET - Obama said women will make up their own minds in 2012. He said through his marriage to Michelle he has learned "I don't need to tell her what it is that she thinks is important."

He also encouraged women in America to think about "who is advancing the issues that they care most deeply about."

1:45 p.m. ET - Q: War on women in 2012.

1:43 p.m. ET - Obama said "all decent folks can agree the remarks that were made have no place in the public discourse." He said he called Ms. Fluke because he thought about his own daughters and how he wants them to feel confident to express their views one day, as she did.

1:41 p.m. ET - Q: Rush Limbaugh.

1:40 p.m. ET - - @staciaCNN reported: The last president to visit Israel was former President George W. Bush in January 2008.

1:40 p.m. ET - Obama said he is not the first president who has been unable to visit Israel in his first term and said he visited twice as a senator.

"My commitment to Israel is not measured by a single visit ... seen in the actions I've taken as president of the United States.

1:38 p.m. ET - Obama said higher gas prices are bad for individuals and the overall economy but said there is no "silver bullet." He said the only way to solve the problem is an "all of the above" strategy.

1:37 p.m. ET - Q: A presidential visit to Israel and gas prices.

1:35 p.m. ET - Obama said Iran understands the "world community means business." Although he said he does not expect a "breakthrough in the first meeting," he said there will be a sense "pretty quickly how serious they are about resolving the issue."

1:27 p.m. ET - In regards to Syria, Obama said it is a "question of WHEN Assad leaves."

"Ultimately this dictator will fall," Obama said.

1:25 p.m. ET - Responding to cited comments from Romney regarding Iran, Obama said "this is not a game."

"When I see the casualness with which these folks talk about war I'm reminded of the cost involved in war," Obama said.

1:23 p.m. ET - Obama said unprecedented sanctions have been leveled against Iran but that it is his belief and the belief of top American and Israeli intelligence officials that "we have a window of opportunity where this can still be resolved diplomatically."

1:20 p.m. ET - @staciaCNN reported: Housing relief plan: strategically released on Super Tuesday. Really beginning to look like a pattern. The president addressed the United Auto Workeres last week touting his auto bailout strategy on the same day as primaries in Arizona and Michigan (home to the auto industry). He also announced a much anticipated contraception compromise while GOP candidate Mitt Romney addressed the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February. And last fall the president requested to address a joint session of Congress on the same night as a scheduled GOP debate. Although ultimately he agreed to move his address to the following evening.

1:20 p.m. ET - The president said, as he has before, that he will take steps without Congress to help those affected by the housing crisis, particularly members of the armed forces.

1:16 p.m. ET - Obama opened his press conference in the White House briefing room by encouraging Congress to take action on three proposals and not "wait for the next election to come around." The proposals: End tax breaks for companies who ship jobs overseas, hold a vote on the "Buffett Rule" and pass a proposal to give every responsible homeowner an average of $3,000 a year through refinancing.

1:13 p.m. ET - More from @ShepherdCNN: Virginia resident Rick Tyler, who is behind the super PAC Winning the Future that supports Gingrich's candidacy, voted in the primary even though his candidate was not on the ballot.

In an effort to keep votes away from Romney, the presumed frontrunner, Tyler voted for Paul. He told CNN he is "still queasy" about it.

12:58 p.m. ET - @ShepherdCNN reported Gingrich will not cast a ballot in Virginia's primary. The Old Dominion State resident is campaigning in Georgia and Tennessee Tuesday and did not request an absentee ballot, according to spokesman R.C. Hammond. Gingrich failed to receive the required signatures to appear on Virginia's ballot.
12:43 p.m. ET - @EWErickson: I still haven't decided if I'm going to vote today.

soundoff(140 Responses)

Dave

As far as Mitts coment HOPE IS NOT A FORIEGN POLICY, as a man of color hope is not a POLICY of getting appointed an Elder in the mormon church. Thel simply say no, CAUS YOUR BLACK, WOW!!!!!!! Its like 1948 in the deep south

March 6, 2012 05:21 pm at 5:21 pm |

mildred in kansas

i come from a hard working high school educated family, that has worked
their entire life for what they have, and until people realize nothing
is "free", nothing is given to you. YOU MUST WORK FOR EVERYTHING YOU
ASPIRE TO HAVE!, our country with continue on a downward spiral.
close the border to all illegal aliens, raise taxes, and stop bankruptcies our grandchildren may have a chance.

March 6, 2012 05:27 pm at 5:27 pm |

Our Only Hope

People are finally waking up to the fact this year that they don't want to return to the Failed politics and policies of the past under RepubliCants! That is why their showing at the polls is so pathetic this year and why it virtually guarantees four more years to President Obama. What the Repubs offer is truly frightening. It's such a scary scenario that any Middle-Class person, Minority, or Poor person literally shutters to think Repubs could get their candidate in the White House this year. It will not happen of course because it would be a cold day in hell that the above mentioned groups and many others would allow Repubs to take their Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the environment, education, etc. away as they are campaigning they would do. Let's face it, their scary rhetoric does not sit well with anyone but the wealthiest one percent of all Americans. That is what will lead Obama/Biden to be Victorious again in 2012! And when that happens this November The People of America Will Have WON and Spoken Loudly against those who do not care about the vast majority of Americans to truly help us. It just goes to show that it takes the Democratic Party to truly care for and help the majority of needy Americans! And you're one of them most likely! Therefore, they are our Only Hope and will Win with God's help!

March 6, 2012 05:33 pm at 5:33 pm |

CoJo

interesting that the republican house is not willing to even vote on military action, but the republican canidates are implying that war with iran is desired. You would think the candidates would at least match their our house in congress. Get congress to vote 1st, then do it.

March 6, 2012 05:39 pm at 5:39 pm |

Matt

Why is it that Ron Paul's name appears only once in this whole article. Romney's name appears 24 times, Santorum's name is there 5 times, and Gingrich appears 5 times. You have to love this so called unbiased media coverage of the election.

March 6, 2012 05:48 pm at 5:48 pm |

Name. Becky Thomason

Being a veteran I would like details on President Obama's housing bail-out plan.

March 6, 2012 06:12 pm at 6:12 pm |

Adam

From Ohio and voted for RON PAUL. Got my mom to vote for the first time in her life, she voted for RON PAUL.

March 6, 2012 06:25 pm at 6:25 pm |

Cliff

Hurry up and get a front-runner so that he can lose the big election already.

March 6, 2012 06:32 pm at 6:32 pm |

GI Joe.

In the "Live Blog"

Among Tennessee voters, 48% said he was too conservative, 38% said he was "about right" and 8% said he was too conservative, according to CNN exit polling.
--------------

If you don't get it, read it again. But it does sound like a Romney - flip, no, flop

March 6, 2012 06:33 pm at 6:33 pm |

No Confidence in Any of Them

Staffers of Congressman are able to receive Government Loans for college and not having to pay them back.

Right underneath Congressman getting full pentions after serving just one term.

So who are we fighting these wars for, when our troops and civilians are left with a broken system of an economy and is being fleeced by off shore banks accounts hidding millions by the likes of a Republican candidate for president.

March 6, 2012 06:48 pm at 6:48 pm |

GI Joe.

@No confidence in any of them

Name your source. I know they have to spend more than one term to get a full pension. I've never heard anything about the free education.

I do agree on the off-shore accounts - anyone having those should be questioned before being allowed to even enter the race. AND all money brought back "on-shore". If it's to avoid taxes, lock 'em up - no matter which party. Tax evasion is illegal.

March 6, 2012 06:56 pm at 6:56 pm |

phil

people need to stop thinking this is republican or a democrat issue . this is the smoke screen who ever gets elected gets to be the puppet of the banks who run our country,unless we get the banks out of our government it wont matter who we elect , they will control them either way. this government needs a complete overhaul and the rich need to get out of it . sorry but voting for anyone is pointless unless we can change the way things are run and you cant vote out the banks when they are not even running they already have control and its not even contested or something we can vote for.

March 6, 2012 06:59 pm at 6:59 pm |

ED FL

Apparrently the population of Georgia is about as sharp as Gingrich. The hero they are voting for left the state years ago , now that he has a few bucks he has his home in Virginia. The citizens of Virginia where Newt lives did not vote for him yet the peolpe of Georgia, the state that Newt deserted voted for him. What do you expect from States that once were prolific MOONSHINE makers and users.

March 6, 2012 07:34 pm at 7:34 pm |

k

santorum got screwed by his own party in mkichigan . it shouldve been either 15-15 split or 16-14 santorum due to him wining 54 counties over romneys 30 but the gop used the percentile results to determine the delegates which was dead wrong period !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 6, 2012 07:38 pm at 7:38 pm |

JC SAN ANTONIO

It is apparent that the newsmen, women and guest commentators at CNN refuse to show respect for the office of the Presidency. President Obama should receive the same respect you give to the Senators and etc when addressing them or speaking their names. CNN used to be the broadcasting newsroom that we considered as "fair" now you are sounding more like FOX when you refuse to respect the title.....President Obama!!

March 6, 2012 07:45 pm at 7:45 pm |

Four and The Door

1:20 p.m. ET – The president said, as he has before, that he will take steps without Congress to help those affected by the housing crisis, particularly members of the armed forces.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
I'm all for doing what we can to help those who served in our armed services, especially those who helped America achieve our success in Iraq. What is completely inappropriate though, is for the American federal government to use our federal tax dollars to try and 'fix' the housing market. Obama seem intent on driving debt to $20 trillion before we kick his irresponsible butt out of Washington in January 2013. Playing in the housing market will get us there. He has already done decades worth of damage to our economy. This is obscene.

March 6, 2012 07:48 pm at 7:48 pm |

Oed

Ohio democrat – I just voted for Romney because I can't risk Santorum getting elected. Would like to create mischief, but would never forgive myself if Santorum got it and somehow beat Obama.

March 6, 2012 07:56 pm at 7:56 pm |

Anonymous

You nailed it, phil.

March 6, 2012 08:08 pm at 8:08 pm |

Mike

What is the deal with the delegates? How does Ron Paul have delegates with no wins I am confused?

March 6, 2012 08:10 pm at 8:10 pm |

pgibson

[yawn] – this isn't interesting at all anymore. four years of campaigning and you still got the same thing; one candidate.

doesn't actually look like the newly minted GOP boys and grrrlz will be doing anything efficiently, and it will probably take four years to accomplish another one thing. It'll probably be miniscule in scope like "we took four years to repeal Obamacare!" and the cheers from the groundlings ensues.

I'd like a final tally on how much money is going into a popularity contest.

Surely it would have made a dent in the nat'l debt – something we all own.

March 6, 2012 08:14 pm at 8:14 pm |

Jim

The actual numbers from Ohio are very different from what CNN is showing. Why?

March 6, 2012 08:20 pm at 8:20 pm |

WLCCS

I don't understand anyone voting for Santorum. The man isn't even capable of making sure he qualifies in all the primaries. How in the world could he possibly be a leader of an entire country???

March 6, 2012 08:23 pm at 8:23 pm |

Dave, CA

What a complete joke these GOP clowns are.

March 6, 2012 08:25 pm at 8:25 pm |

js

I think its time for all the states to hold their primary elections on the same date.instead of spreading them out.

March 6, 2012 08:39 pm at 8:39 pm |

Allen Anderson

Question...nothing of any significent importance has been accomplished in the past two years, especially this year.
Republicans are waiting to take back the Presidency. What happens to middle-class Americans if the Republican candidate loses to Obama in the Fall election? Will Republicans continue to do nothing to make this country successful, again?